I used to get uncomfortable every time paint spilled or crayons went outside the lines.

In the home where I grew up, being tidy meant being disciplined. Anything sloppy was interpreted as reckless. I therefore brought those same guidelines with me when I became a mother: no mess, no noise, and no trouble.

But after that, I noticed something that altered who I was.

After dipping her fingers in paint, my daughter began stamping the floor. My first thought was to stop her. However, I hesitated. She was exploring, expressing, and learning rather than merely creating a mess.

I realized that day that perhaps the mess wasn't the issue. Perhaps my fear of it was the issue.

Reasons for Considering Messy Play

I was browsing Instagram one day when I saw a post discussing the advantages of messy play, including how it fosters children's creativity, emotional growth, and sensory abilities.

As I dug deeper, I discovered Dabble's kid-safe, non-toxic paints. I tried it then, and to be honest, I haven't looked back.

I no longer had to worry about chemicals or stains thanks to items like Dabble crayons and finger paints. At last, I could give my child the freedom to touch, mix, pour, and dream.

And you know what?

Chaos isn't messy play. It's freedom combined with creativity. It's not about limitations, but about establishing healthy boundaries.

Unlearning Control: Dismantling Generational Trends

When I was a child, I used to get scolded for spilling water and praised for colouring neatly inside the lines. Naturally, I became alarmed when I noticed that my daughter was coloringthe table rather than paper or squeezing paint tubes a bit "too much."

I didn't even realize I was parenting the way I was brought up.

However, I had an internal question: "Am I stifling her happiness for control's sake?"

I began unlearning at that point. I began to relax.

And I felt more comfortable letting her have that space because of Dabble's safe products. I was able to concentrate on her development rather than the mess because I knew that everything was toxin-free, washable, and designed for small hands.

Establishing Our Home Art Corner

Here are some simple tips I have for parents who want to try but are afraid of the cleanup:

• For art time, use a large tray or table mat.

• Have your child wear an apron or an old t-shirt.

• To protect floors, lay down an old bedsheet or plastic sheet.

• For easy cleanups, keep a bucket of water and a cloth close at hand.

The secret is that I let my daughter assist with the cleaning. Initially, she was merely cleaning her hands. She soon began cleaning her table and putting away her colors, though.

Playing responsibly is a win-win situation for all parents!

What I Discovered Through My Child's Untidy Play

I thought I was teaching her how to paint, to be honest.

But this is what I discovered from her:

• Self-assurance: She chooses her own colors and designs her own patterns.

• Accountability: She does a good job of keeping her space neat.

• Connection: Those art classes became a special time for us to bond, full of laughter, stories, and love.

And I learned that giving up control encourages development rather than chaos.

I can assure you if you're a parent like me who used to be afraid of the mess: Dabble made it simpler for me to accept messy play. I felt comfortable letting my child explore freely because of their selection of safe, non-toxic, and washable paints and crayons.

Here is my advice:

This weekend, try one messy art session and refrain from interfering.

Let your kids take the lead. Allow them to become sloppy.

What resilient, imaginative little brains emerge from those sticky fingers will surprise you.

- SMRITI PARASAR